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Self-acceptance

Going through what I went through in my childhood, I didn’t really understand who I was. I was looking at a blank soul in the mirror.

The whole “man-up” stereotype mentioned in my last post had a significant role in this (read the post here).

So did a whole host of other things…

I was made to accept I was different

Throughout my school years, I was severely bullied. Not in the physical way, but in the verbal and emotional way.

Buck teeth, underweight, taller than everyone else, traits that made me who I was, pointed out as things I should be ashamed of and traits I should be hiding.

All those years I was being bullied, I was hiding away. John Sennett wasn’t to be seen. Just a person with no identity.

The no voice guy/running away

When I was starting secondary school, I was aware of my lack of confidence. I noticed I couldn’t speak to the opposite sex. I couldn’t speak to the Teachers. I couldn’t speak to my friends.

The bullying only got worse and the dark hole waiting to swallow me up was edging closer. This identity crisis I was facing was impacting every inch of my life.

I couldn’t speak. I was shy. Well, I was on the outside, but I had so much to say on the inside. I felt no self-worth. The bullying made me feel small. I was 6 foot.

I noticed more people were getting involved. More bullies were joining the groups already tormenting me every day for the 6 hours I was there. Others had no clue. My friends didn’t know. Not until I lost all hope.

I was finding every way to get out of school; faking sick notes, jumping over school gates, just to name a few. I didn’t know who this guy was, but the way the bullies treated me, it was like this was who I was and meant to be.

But… I said no more!

When I left school and education (I’ll tell you more about my experience of moving schools in a future post), I promised myself that I had to find who John Sennett is. I wanted to be me. I didn’t want to be this person others made me feel I had to be.

John Sennett, a guy full of love and praise for others, someone who had a beaming smile and an ambitious mind-set was starting a new chapter. A road to self-discovery and acceptance.

The road was full of twists and turns. Jobs that didn’t suit me or assisted with finding myself. I went from job to job trying to figure things out and one moment changed it all for me…

Volunteering found John Sennett

At the time of considering volunteering as an option, my belief was unpaid work was pointless. What was the point of giving up your time if money wasn’t involved?

I can’t put a price on the life I’ve had since my first hour of volunteering. Volunteering changed my life. It was an opportunity for me to be who I was.

Volunteering helped me to use my negative past for good. The bullying, suicidal thoughts, the family members battling for their lives; volunteering provided an opportunity for me to start telling my story.

That’s how my blog started

John’s Road to Volunteering was the first chapter. The title of my blog in 2014.

Volunteering didn’t only just provide an opportunity for me to tell my story, it was my chance to shine.

We’ve connected because of the time I gave to others. The stories I’m now telling is because volunteering made this happen.

Volunteering found John Sennett!

I’m thankful for this journey

This journey I’ve been on, I’m thankful. I’m glad I went through what I did, because I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Yes, I still have teeth that stick out and have gaps, but that’s part of what makes me a stunning human being.

Everything I’ve been through has contributed to the love I have for helping others to discover who they are and to excel in life.

I know who I am now and I know my purpose in life. The purpose to share. The purpose to bring people together. The purpose to turn frowns upside down.

My content is becoming very personal, and in 2019, this is my focus. My focus will be to share more about my story with you and to not hide away the person I am or what I’ve lived.

There is one more blog post coming up this week, and then I’ll be on a 2 week break, giving me some time with loved ones, before I take 2019 by storm.

As 2018 is nearly finished, I would also like to say a massive thank you to you all for being part of this journey with me. 2018 has been an incredible year for me and my blog and I know 2019 will be bigger…